Gallup: Americans Agree With Petraeus Decision To Resign

Source: TPM

KYLE LEIGHTON 1:21 PM EST, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2012

A majority of Americans say former head of the CIA Gen. David Patraeus's decision to resign after a sex scandal was a necessary one, according to a new poll from Gallup released Tuesday. Fifty-one percent said Patraeus had to go, while 41 percent say he should have remained in his position. Fifty-six percent of Republicans, 50 percent of Democrats and 49 percent of independent voters said Patraeus had to resign.

Patraeus's personal favorability rating has also fallen. In March of 2011, 55 percent of Americans had a favorable view of the former general, while 11 percent had an unfavorable one. That split is now 40 percent favorable, 30 percent unfavorable. From Gallup:

Petraeus has been a significant figure in U.S. foreign policy in recent years, first overseeing the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and then serving as director of the CIA. His career in government now appears over after the revelation of his extramarital affair, and his public image has suffered as well. Still, Americans are more likely to view him positively than negatively, suggesting they may put more weight on his military and political service and accomplishments and less on personal scandal.

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The Gallup poll used 1,009 live telephone interviews with Americans via landlines and cell-phones conducted Nov. 15-18. It has a sampling error of 4 percent.

6. Ha ha ha -- you said "Gallup". But how do we know

7. I don't usually agree with Gallup but...

I absolutely agree with the resignation.

I'm sick and tired of these "High and Powerful" types, being able to do shit like this and then cry boo-hoo because they were so good at their job. ESPECIALLY when they belong to the Puke Party (no, I'm not saying that Dems can do crap like this either!)

WELL, dudes, keep it zipped and if you are SO desperate to get "it" off, have sex with your WIFE...OR...ever hear of a hand?????? YA, the cold truth sometimes hurts.

I'm sick of all the defenders!

He needed to go...He BROKE a trust to us and his wife/family. You wanted a girl friend? Get a divorce first.

9. I think he should resign

10. His indiscretions do not morally offend me.

Like Clinton, who cares? I do think though due to the position he is in, there may have been potential for him to be blackmailed or ways outside threats to get to him. I will also put a big maybe on that as I'm not an intelligence expert.